7 Tips to Make your Gazebo Last Longer

Metal beams can rust. Wood beams can get mold, mildew and rot. Regardless of the type of support structure, you will want to apply a protective barrier on the outside. For our exposed wood supports and patio furniture every two years. We also apply multiple coats to extend protection. For metal, we normally do this every fourth year for most stainless and galvanized steel. If you have powder coated steel, you can go 5-10 years before needing to apply any further protection.

If you’re not sure what type of frame you have, the manufacturer should be able to tell you based on the model number. If you don’t know the model number, you can find out by taking a picture and sending it to the company that made it.

When it comes to the fabric for the Gazebo that can mold or mildew if it is left to the elements. Some fabrics such as acrylic are far more resistant to molding than others, but you can greatly extend the lifespan of all fabric by using a waterproof spray. The sprays are relatively inexpensive at less than $10 per bottle, and they work by causing the water to bead and roll off the canopy rather than get absorbed. Without the spray outer shell, the fabric never absorbs the moisture keeping its internal fibers dry.

Since there are a lot of options, we have created a complete guide to waterproofing tour gazebo canopy. This includes both the best methods for protecting the canopy as well as our top picks for the best spray to use.

Maintenance & Care

Now that you have the gazebo you’ve always dreamed about, you’ll be happy to see how easy it is to keep it looking its best for years to come. You will have taken the first step, by purchasing the highest-quality gazebo available, from GazeboCreations.com. Although our gazebos have been built to last indefinitely, there is no way to stop the elements (or people) from leaving their marks on it. However, by following our simple maintenance instructions, you can greatly control the degree to which they do. Red Cedar Gazebos
12' Cedar Double Roof Octagon Gazebo
Shown with Full Set of Screens, Cedar
Shingles, Cupola, and Cedar Stain/Sealer

Shown with Full Set of Screens, CedarShingles, Cupola, and Cedar Stain/Sealer

Our Red Cedar Gazebos are made with 100% top-grade North American Western Red Cedar, which is an extremely durable and superior-quality wood. Its natural oils not only help to preserve its radiant beauty, but also make it resistant to insects and decay as well.

You can preserve the radiance of the wood, and protect it from the effects of the weather, by applying a water-repellent sealer to your gazebo. Make sure that you also apply to the floor and the cedar shingles if applicable.

If you wish to maintain the natural color of the cedar, you may apply the sealer as soon as your gazebo is assembled. If you prefer a more rustic look for your structure, you can allow it to weather to a desirable degree, before using a water-repellent sealer to your structure. If you would like to see all of our stain and sealer options, please visit the following link: Structure Details. Make sure to use a sealer that is recommended for use of cedar.

Reapplications should be done every 2-4 years. These treatments are available under several brand names. Ask a local lumber dealer to recommend the right one for your gazebo. If you wish to maintain the natural color of the cedar, you may apply the sealer as soon as your gazebo is assembled. For a more rustic look, you can wait until it has weathered to a desirable degree, then use a water-repellent clear sealer that is recommended for use on cedar. Applications should be made every 2 - 4 years. Since these treatments are available under several brand names, you should ask a local lumber dealer to recommend the right one for your gazebo. Pressure-Treated Pine Gazebos
16' x 30' Treated Pine Oval Double
Roof Gazebo
Shown with 2x3 Decorative Spindle Railings,
2 Coats of Cedar Tone Stain/Sealer,
Old English Pewter Asphalt Shingles, and
Hidden Wiring Package

Shown with 2x3 Decorative Spindle Railings,2 Coats of Cedar Tone Stain/Sealer,Old English Pewter Asphalt Shingles, andHidden Wiring Package

Our Pressure-Treated Pine Gazebos are constructed of top-grade, Treated Southern Yellow Pine. The lumber is treated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), an environmentally friendly, nontoxic, water-based preservative that is free of arsenic and chromium. In addition to this process, which prevents decay and insect damage, the pine is KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment), to minimize warping, checking*, and twisting.

To maintain the beauty of the wood, and to avoid cracking and splitting; we recommend applying a water-repellent sealer to your gazebo. Make sure to apply the sealer to the floor and the cedar shingles as well.

You may also use a tinted sealer, or solid color stain if you prefer. You can stain/seal your gazebo immediately to preserve its original appearance, or wait until it has weathered naturally to a desirable shade of rustic gray before applying.

Re-apply the sealer every 2-4 years. These treatments are available under several brand names. Ask a local lumber dealer to recommend the right one for your gazebo. If you want to paint your Pressure-Treated Pine Gazebo, two coats of acrylic latex exterior paint should yield optimum results. Be sure to read the label on whichever brand you choose, as manufacturers’ recommendations may vary, and remember that cold or damp weather and humidity may also affect drying times. You can also use a solid color stain. We advise you not to paint the floor of your gazebo, as this may make it dangerously slippery. If you choose to paint your Pressure-Treated Pine Gazebo, the recommended application would be two coats of acrylic latex exterior paint. Be sure to read the label on whichever brand you choose, as manufacturers’ recommendations may vary. Keep in mind that cold or damp weather and humidity may affect drying times. We advise you not to paint the floor of your gazebo, as this may make it dangerously slippery.

You can clean your Pressure Treated Pine Gazebo with the same products that you use on your porch or deck. A power washer is fine if the correct tip is used. Please be cautious with any pressure washing.

Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning painted pressure-treated pine.

*Checking - Checking can be minimized, but not always eliminated on wood products that are outside and exposed to moisture and temperature changes. As the surface of the wood dries, small hairline checks will develop. These are more visible if you paint or stain the product with a solid color, especially light colors. You may have to re-stain or paint after the first full 4 season cycle. After the first year, checking will not be as noticeable. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning painted pressure-treated pine. Vinyl Gazebos
12' x 16' Vinyl Rectangular Gazebo
Shown with White Vinyl, Treated Pine Deck,
Single Roof with Evergreen Metal Roofing,
Wavy Fascia, Standard Railings and Posts,
Cupola, and Hidden Wiring Package

Shown with White Vinyl, Treated Pine Deck,Single Roof with Evergreen Metal Roofing,Wavy Fascia, Standard Railings and Posts,Cupola, and Hidden Wiring Package

Our Vinyl Gazebos are made with pressure-treated pine that has been covered with attractive, heavy-duty vinyl coating in whatever color you have chosen from the options that are currently available. This results in the perfect combination of beauty and durability.

Aside from the occasional cleaning with soap and water or a mild cleanser, these structures are maintenance-free. Our suggestion is to rinse carefully with a hose as needed.

You may also clean with a pressure washer with the correct tip. Please be cautious with any pressure washing.
Screens & Screen Frames

Apply the care instructions for Cedar and Pressure-Treated Pine Gazebos to screen frames of the same types of wood.

Aluminum screen frames may be cleaned with soap and water.

Outstanding service

R.W. - Collegeville, PA

Quick and well packaged delivery. Product is absolutely beautiful.

L.S. - Carriere, MS

…Our gazebos weathered Hurricane Katrina just fine…

N.W. Mobile, AL

We are very pleased with how the gazebo turned out and I would be happy to be a reference for your company.

S.F. – Warrington, PA

Prompt shipping; good, friendly customer service when I called to ask an assembly question

J.S.B. - Brevard, NC

Assembly went well and I was impressed with the final product. I will refer you my requests for any gazebos

M.M. – Winter Park, FL

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Gazebo Canopy Care & Maintenance Advice

What is a gazebo canopy?

Quite simply, a gazebo canopy is the fabric roof which sits on top of the metal frame of a gazebo. The material is most commonly canvas or polyester, making the structure lightweight and easily portable – ideal for when you’re in need of portable shade at short notice.

Gazebo canopies typically last up to 2-3 years with the proper care and maintenance, giving you multiple summers to relax under its shade. However, whilst the canopy does a brilliant job of protecting you from the elements, this does mean that the material is constantly taking the brunt of adverse weather conditions.

If you’re not looking after your canopy, consistent sun, wind and rain can tear or diminish the colour of the material and you may be needing a replacement much sooner than expected.

Whether you’ve recently purchased a new gazebo or you’re looking for advice for an existing canopy, we’ve compiled our expert maintenance advice into this detailed guide. Read on to find out more.

How to correctly assemble and disassemble your canopy

Great canopy care starts with the correct assembly of the material over the frame. Not only will you need to assemble the canopy once you’ve first purchased your gazebo, you’ll also need to remove and reassemble the canopy to properly clean the fabric, for repair work or, crucially, to store it away over the winter months.

How to put up a gazebo canopy

Avoid unnecessary stretching and tears by taking the time to carefully put on the canopy. Any quality gazebo should be easily assembled with the provision of easy to understand instructions. In fact, most of our gazebos can be put up in under 60 seconds with just two people!

To put up a gazebo canopy, make sure the frame has first been partially extended and then carefully place the material over, aligning three of the four corners. You can then fully extend the frame, lock the slider bracket into place and, finally, pull over the remaining corner of the canopy.

Make some final adjustments by pulling down the canopy over the frame until it’s secure on all sides.

Top Tip: When anchoring down your gazebo, anchor the straps to the metal frame and not the canopy. This will stop the fabric from ripping in severe winds.

Taking down and storing the canopy

Gazebo canopies are not designed to be left out all year long, as adverse weather, such as wind, rain and snow, can cause irreparable damage. Pools of water or snow can stretch the canvas, weakening the material and causing tears, and strong wind can cause the gazebo to uplift. Even long periods of intense sunshine can lead to discolouration.

Essentially, all you need to do is the reverse of putting up your canopy – it’s that easy! Just be careful of trapping the canopy (or your fingers) when folding the metal frame inwards.

You’ll then want to take care when storing the canopy to make sure the material is as good as new, ready for your next garden party, BBQ or event.

Canopy storage tips:

Make sure the fabric isn’t wet, as this can cause discolouration or mould
Fold the canopy following its natural creases and folds to avoid damage
Use a gazebo storage bag for protection

How to clean a canvas gazebo canopy

No matter where your gazebo is placed, it will need cleaning from time to time. From debris and dirt to mould and mildew, a material roof is bound to get dirty when left outside in the elements.

When it comes to cleaning a canvas canopy, or any other material, our best advice couldn’t be more simple:

Wipe away marks immediately to avoid stains
Remove sap and debris as soon as they are noticed
Remove and wash the canvas with soapy water and a soft scrubbing brush
Hose down the material with clean water to remove any soapy residue
Leave to dry completely before storing away

Cleaning your canopy doesn’t have to be a long, painful process, but it does need to happen between 1-2 times a year to make sure you can use it again the following year.

Top Tip: Stay away from bleach, pressure washers, steam cleaners and washing machines. These can cause damage to the material, stitching and waterproofing.

How to repair a gazebo canopy

If you have noticed a minor tear or rip in your canopy, you may be able to repair this without having to purchase a replacement.

Make sure to cut away any loose threads from the tear and clean the area. You can then apply a suitable patch tape, seam grip or sew a patch of material over the rip. Make sure to test this thoroughly before putting the canopy back up to ensure a replacement is not necessary.

Top Tip: Be aware that tears and holes are often the result of transporting the canopy whilst it’s still attached to the metal frame. We strongly recommend always removing the material before transporting a gazebo – it only takes a minute to reassemble and will save you time and money on repair work!

How to waterproof a gazebo canopy

You’ll find waterproof coating on our waterproof pop up gazebos, meaning they are perfect for all seasons throughout the year. If your gazebo canopy does not come with all-season protection, you’ll be glad to know you can do this yourself with a suitable waterproof spray.

Firstly, you’ll need to remove the canopy and make sure it is clean. If you have washed the material, leave it to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Use the can of waterproof spray to cover the entire canopy. You’ll want to hold the can at an angle about 8 inches away from the material to get the best coverage. We recommend applying two coats to ensure your canopy is fully protected. Leave it to dry, then repeat the process on the other side of the fabric.

Once dry, you can then put the waterproof canopy back onto the frame.

Summary

If you follow our advice in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to extending the lifespan of your gazebo canopy. Of course, you cannot control the weather and accidents do happen, however providing regular maintenance and care will undoubtedly give you more time to enjoy your existing canopy year after year.

Key takeaways:

Take down your canopy when not in use, especially over the winter months, to avoid unnecessary weather damage
Clean the canopy 1-2 times a year using a mild solution of soapy water and a soft brush
Always make sure the canopy is completely dry before storing it away to stop mould
Quickly act on repairs as soon as you notice the damage
Choose a quality gazebo made from durable materials from the very start to save you hassle in the long run